The recently completed mural located on the Marion Natural History Museum’s second floor mezzanine celebrates one of the oldest organizations in our area and one of the first few natural history museums in the United States.
The sweeping mural greets visitors as they head up the staircases toward the second-floor foyer and Museum entrance. Painted by local artists, Erin Taylor and Karen Alves, the mural features the Bird Island Lighthouse and the island’s annual visitors, Roseate Terns, both of which are featured in the Museum’s logo.
The mural puts into motion improvements to the Museum’s exhibit space that will be implemented over the next two years—several of which will be in time for the Museum’s 150th anniversary celebration this coming summer. Other improvements include new signage, re-envisioned displays, and enhanced stations for the Museum’s Virtual Reality equipment and microscopes. Additionally, within the next few months the installation of a photo mural depicting a life-sized North Atlantic Right Whale will transform the interior of the museum thanks to the generosity of Michael and Hannah Moore. The photo taken by Dr. Michael Moore, author, veterinarian, and Senior Scientist at WHOI in Woods Hole, and Director of the WHOI Marine Mammal Center shows a rare view of a right whale skim feeding.
Located at 8 Spring Street, the building was donated to the Town of Marion by Marion’s famed matriarch Elizabeth Taber on September 27, 1872 for the sole use of a Library and a Natural History Museum. She also donated the Museum’s display cases and some artifacts that are still part of the Museum’s collection.
A well-loved institution, the Museum has helped to guide area youth into careers in nature, science, and engineering. Today the MNHM continues to give back to the community by providing free and low-cost programs and exhibits that inspire, educate, and nurture people of all ages. The Museum’s mission is to spark natural curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and inspire lifelong learning by making science and technology accessible to all. They specialize in the natural history of our local area, and provide exhibits, lectures, and educational programs for youth and adults.
The Museum welcomes visitors, volunteers, and new members, and is seeking sponsors, donors, and partner organizations—especially in preparation for the Museum’s 150th Anniversary and their ongoing improvements to the exhibit space. If you have time and talent (from cleaning and organizing to carpentry and electrical to printing and Lego building) the Museum encourages you to reach out via the Museum’s website marionmuseum.org/contact or email volunteer@marionmuseum.org.
